Day 14 – Day After Egg Retrieval & Progesterone Shot
Wednesday, May 30, 2012.
I decided to try and go into work today, which was probably a mistake. Like last time I was walking like an old lady and was just cramping a lot. I took my antibiotic and also a vicodin to help with the pain. I ended up being way to drowsy at work and kind of out of it. I had to wait several hours before leaving because the vicodin was making me a little loopy.
I left work about noon, came home had lunch and took a nap. Chris one of the nurses from RMA called and said two of the eggs fertilized and the other did not make it through fertilization. She said the doctor advised us to possibly do the egg transfer without the PGD testing.
In order to prepare my body for the transfer I needed to start the progesterone shots. These shots are intramuscular and have quite a long needle. So, RMA will call on Friday and let us know if we will be doing the transfer on Friday or Sunday. There also could be a possibility that both look good and we can freeze them and still send the cells off for genetic testing.
Pete has to give me the progesterone shot because it’s done on the backside of my hip/buttocks area. The shot was not too bad. I iced the area beforehand, and then sat on the heating pad afterwards so the oil could spread through my body easier.
Below is a description of the progesterone in oil
Progesterone is produced by the corpus luteum in the ovary after ovulation. During the retrieval process some of the hormone producing cells are removed from the inside of the follicles. As an attempt to support the lining of the uterus and prepare for implantation, supplemental HCG or progesterone is usually used. This supplemental HCG can further stimulate hormone production in the ovary and worsen the symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation. To avoid this undesired effect progesterone can be administered. There are several forms of progesterone available including vaginal suppositories, and injectable progesterone. Progesterone injections are usually continued until 10-12 weeks of pregnancy. The oil that holds the progesterone can make the shots uncomfortable.
Progesterone is given by intramuscular injection. The liquid is thicker (more viscous) than the other medications because it is in an oil solution (sesame oil, cotton seed oil, and ethyl oleate are common carriers for the progesterone). A large needle is used to pull the recommended dose into the needle. 1 mL is the most common dose when the progesterone is 50 mg/mL but you should verify the recommended dose with the clinic or by reviewing your printed information. Progesterone in oil must be given intramuscularly.
Day 13 – Egg Retrieval Day 15 – Progesterone Shot